Lost at sea, Manukeu and Losaline Kauhala and two of their three children.

Lost at sea, the Kauhala children, Fe'ofa'aki (6) and Hikifo'ou (3).

By Linny Folau

The loss at sea of a young family of four - Manukeu and Losaline Kauhala and two their three daughters - is a tragedy that has struck a heavy blow to the heart of two Tongatapu families.

Two mothers, shocked by the loss of a son, a daughter and two young grandchildren, today held a 'pongipongi tapu' or sacred morning, which in Tongan tradition marks the end of the mourning period, usually done 10 days after a burial.

The Kauhala family are among the many people lost at sea after the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika on August 5. Manukeu Kauhala (36), his wife Manu Losaline Kauhala (34) and two young daughters Fe'ofa'aki (6) and Hikifo'ou (3), were destined for Hihifo, Ha'apai for a two weeks visit.

The Kauhala's middle daughter 'Unaloto (5) who stayed with her grandmother, is the only surviving member of the small family.

Losaline's mother Anga'aefonu, of Pahu, said she took 'Unaloto with her to Ha'apai the previous week on the MV Pulupaki. The rest of the family later boarded the ill-fated Princess Ashika on August 5, intending to join them at Hihifo.

"This tragedy has struck the heart and core of our small family, loosing my daughter, her husband and two grandchildren in this tragic event is unforgettable and will remain with me until the day I die," said the grief-stricken mother and grandmother.

Anga'aefonu said that her husband is working at Hihifo, Ha'apai, and they were visiting him for a function of the Free Church of Tonga.

"I have slowly accepted my family's deaths and the reality that their bodies might not be recovered, that is why we are holding the pongipongi tapu where family is gathering at home for the last time.

"After this we would just wait on the end result of the search and recovery operation, whether the bodies could be recovered or not," added Anga'aefonu, while holding young 'Ungatea who was clutching onto a photo of her late parents and sisters.

She also sadly revealed that a close member of her family was also on the ferry and is among the missing. He was Tevita Pola Uvea (9) of Ha'afeva.

Blow to family

Manukeu Kauhala's mother, Mele Tufui Vea and family.

Also present was Manukeu's mother Mele Tufui Vea of 'Eua now residing at Ha'ateiho, who was accompanied by her remaining five children. Mele said the loss of her son and his small family was a devastating blow to her family.

"I never imagined that such a tragedy would take place and I didn't even say goodbye to them when they left, thinking they would return in a week or two," she recollected, while holding her son and daughter in law's wedding photograph.

Families and friends gathered at the family home at Pahu this morning to pay their final respects, which involved the presenting of tapa cloths and mats.

Both mothers have been camping at tents based at the Shipping Corporation Office, on Queen Salote Wharf since August 6. They added that after having the pongipongi tapu today, they intended to return to their respective homes at the end of the week.